Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers meet at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane in Round 1 of the 2026 NRL season this Friday, 6 March 2026. Check out our preview and tips below.
Brisbane Broncos Vs Penrith Panthers Match Prediction
Brisbane’s premiership defence faces a stern first test when they meet Penrith in Round 1 and boy does that famous Grand Final win feel a long way away.
Star prop Payne Haas has declared he is walking at the end of the year, clearly having had enough of his intense coach. Then an embarrassing showing in the World Club Challenge saw them get comprehensively beaten by Hull KR.
Defending premiers often start slow with five of the last nine losing in Round 1 and that looks set to be extended to six of 10 with the Panthers in a great spot.
Penrith have won nine of 11 against the Broncos including six of seven at Suncorp. The Panthers have covered 12 of 15 as an underdog and 17 of 29 interstate. With favourites covering at just 41% in Round 1, the Panthers look an outstanding bet.
Paul Alamoti has 20 tries in his last 21 games with odds-against crazy odds. Isaiah Papalii has a nice tryscoring record, scoring in five of his last seven.
Tips
Best: Penrith +2.5 ($1.90)
Next: Penrith 13+ ($5.50)
Tryscorer: Paul Alamoti ($11 First, $2.35 Anytime)
SGM: Paul Alamoti Try/Isaiah Papalii Try ($12.25)